The Week 1 showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets was ultimately the best of the slate. A seesaw shootout with plenty of drama only added to the intriguing pregame storylines. This battle was spirited; it didn't feel like a regular-season opener, so much so that a result-altering miscue cost one player his job.
New York reportedly released wide receiver Xavier Gipson following their 34-32 loss to the Steelers (h/t Brian Costello of the New York Post). His fumbled kickoff return in the fourth quarter flipped the contest on its head, giving the Black and Gold life and an opportunity they seized.
Notably, it was none other than running back Kenneth Gainwell who jarred the ball loose, making an instant difference in his Pittsburgh debut.
STEELERS FOOTBALL
Fantastic special teams play by Kenneth Gainwell to punch the ball out! pic.twitter.com/hdt7ucPQPj
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 7, 2025
Jets cut WR Xavier Gipson after Kenneth Gainwell forced crucial fumble in Steelers debut
A match that the Jets appeared to be in control of quickly went haywire, and Gipson's blunder was a catalyst. Their 26-17 lead heading into the final frame evaporated within seconds. Gainwell reached into his cookie jar and pulled out a freshly baked chocolate chip, causing a palpable momentum shift.
Gainwell's special teams efforts were a spark plug for the Steelers. They couldn't stop ex-Pittsburgh quarterback Justin Fields and the Jets' offense. Trying to keep pace and match New York's firepower was the only way to prevail, and a crucial change of possession paved the way.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn clearly stated they "cannot have turnovers" during his postgame press conference. He added that making mistakes that "cause [them] to lose games" will come with repercussions. New York only gave the ball to Pittsburgh once, so this was ostensibly a direct message to Gipson.
Outright cutting Gipson is Glenn's way of communicating to the Jets locker room that crippling self-inflicted wounds won't be tolerated. Taking down an opponent is hard enough, let alone having to beat yourself. The former was lackadaisical with the rock, especially given the score and time remaining, and the latter isn't taking the slip-up lightly.
Pittsburgh signed Gainwell to a one-year contract this past offseason and has rapidly become a coaching staff favorite. He's made a career off doing the dirty work, whether it be return duties or third-down/pass protection responsibilities, which aligns perfectly with a Mike Tomlin-led squad. That's already become evident, encapsulated by sticking his paw out on Gipson's career-changing bungle.
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